This content has been translated by bestmembers
LinkedIn is launching its own hangouts, which allow users to have one-on-one conversations right within the LinkedIn app.
Since last year, LinkedIn has allowed users to initiate video calls with each other.
However, the call would take place on a different app such as Zoom, as LinkedIn didn’t have the technology to facilitate video calls.
LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft, used Azure to create its own solution for connecting users via video.
Here’s more about LinkedIn’s own video post, now available to everyone.
Free hangouts on LinkedIn
LinkedIn users can now meet virtually without leaving the app.
In the announcement, LinkedIn explains what native video posts can do for users:
“From the initial job search to the one-on-one conversation, we wanted to increase the productivity of our members while keeping them safe.
By adding video conferencing as part of the messaging, participants can connect virtually while maintaining the context of their existing conversation.
Members can now easily schedule free video calls with their network without having to download a client or subscribe to any service.”
In addition, the embedded video call will include LinkedIn profile information, which provides participants with useful context about who they are dating.
The next section explains how to initiate an embedded video call.
How to Start a Hangout on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s new Hangout feature can be accessed from any chat window by clicking the “Create Hangout” button.
LinkedIn will use its own video conferencing option by default, although users can still choose a different service if they prefer.
Sometimes LinkedIn may prompt you to start a video call if it detects that the conversation is moving in that direction.
Learn more about native hangouts on LinkedIn
Native video conferencing is supported by Azure Communications Services, which is built on the same technology as Microsoft Teams.
LinkedIn has created hangouts as a brand new service, and it looks like the company has big plans for the future.
The company states:
“Now that we’ve laid the foundations for video conferencing, we have a lot of exciting features ahead of us as we continue to make LinkedIn hangouts even better…
Our investment in Hangouts has unlocked video conferencing innovation in the LinkedIn ecosystem with potential use cases ranging from messaging with peers to interviewing candidates.”
Several features planned for future updates include:
- Calendar integration so that a scheduled meeting sends an email with ICS to both parties.
- Allow messaging during a video call
- Screen sharing and virtual backgrounds
For now, the feature is limited to basic one-on-one video calls, though it’s a significant step up from what was available before.
Interestingly, a social network that specializes in bringing professionals together lags so far behind video calls, given how it has become an integral part of the workplace over the past year.
LinkedIn has been looking to refer users to other services, but is now investing in its own. With Microsoft behind this, LinkedIn video calls have a lot of potential.
Source: LinkedIn Engineering
